Merlot gets a bad rap in America, but the wine writers at VinePair are here to set the record straight. Their latest roundup, “The 20 Best Merlots for 2026,” argues that the grape is not just a blending partner for Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc — it can stand on its own as one of the finest red wines in the country.
The list draws on a year of tasting thousands of bottles from New York, Virginia, California, Oregon, and even Italy. The verdict? Merlot rocks.
The Case for Merlot
Merlot is named after Merle (or Merlau), a local bird in the Bordeaux region of France. VinePair describes it as “the little blackbird of Bordeaux.” That comparison fits the grape’s character: softer, fleshier, and easier-drinking than its more muscular cousins.
The wine’s appeal comes from its structure. Merlot has more flesh between the skin and fewer seeds than many other grapes, which means it tends to produce supple, deep, and fleshy red wine. In blends, it softens the harsh edges of Cabernet Sauvignon. On its own, it can carry the weight.
The U.S. has not always treated Merlot well. Some notable setbacks have hurt the grape’s reputation here. But winemakers across the country keep producing thoughtful expressions of it anyway. VinePair tasted a wide range of bottles and found plenty of reasons to celebrate.
How VinePair Tests Wine
The tasting process is transparent. VinePair’s team evaluates wines with full knowledge of the producer and the price. Tastings are not blind, which means the judges know exactly what they are drinking.
Each wine is assessed on aromas, flavors, structure, balance, and quality. The team also considers whether the wine shows typicity for its specific grape or region. That last point matters: a Merlot that tastes like Cabernet Sauvignon is not doing the grape justice.
The list is compiled from bottles sent by producers, distributors, and PR firms. All submissions were free of charge, and neither the producers nor VinePair paid for the products. Submission does not guarantee inclusion.
Bottles were scored on a 100-point scale based on quality and intensity of aromas, flavors, texture, and finish. The final list is editorially driven, meaning the team picked the wines they believe are the best Merlots to buy right now.
The Value Pick
At the budget end of the list is the Frei Brothers Merlot 2024. VinePair describes it as one of the bottles that “absolutely floors us.”
Sourced from two estate vineyards in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, the wine opens with soft, ripe fruit notes of blackberries, black cherry, and plum. Nine months in French and American oak add layers of vanilla and spice, warming the overall profile. The mouthfeel is plush and deep, with good acidity.
The average price is $20, which makes it a case buy and an excellent house red. VinePair rates it 92 points.
The Splurge Bottle
At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Wölffer Estate Vineyard Christian’s Cuvée Merlot 2020. This is a Long Island wine that takes a different approach to the grape.
Long Island built its reputation on Bordeaux-style blends, but this bottling focuses solely on Merlot. The result is a wine that expresses the variety’s more elegant side. The cool ocean breezes of the region temper the grape’s power, producing a lighter, more refined expression.
Roman Roth, the winemaker at Wölffer, understands this. He produces an absolutely beautiful Merlot.
On the nose, the wine shows blueberries, campfire smoke, and a distant hint of brewed coffee. The mouthfeel is pure elegance, with delicate touches of sandalwood and cinnamon accenting the ripe fruit. The fruit depth and acidity are nearly perfect, lifting each element off the palate.
The average price is $100, and the rating is 95 points.
The Best of the Rest
The list includes several other standout bottles under $25. Here is how they rank:
- Wente Family Vineyards Sandstone Merlot 2023 — 93 points
- Maddalena Merlot 2024 — 93 points
- Wagner Vineyards Merlot 2022 — 93 points
The Wente Family Vineyards Sandstone Merlot 2023 comes from hillside vineyards on California’s Central Coast. Ocean breezes influence the fruit, bringing lively notes of black and blue fruits with a dusting of mocha on the nose. The palate is soft, plush, and fleshy, with a very well-balanced fruit core.
The Maddalena Merlot 2024 is a great, affordable offering from the Robioli family out in Paso Robles. It has a wonderfully rich nose of brambly blackberries, soil, and a hint of oak spice. The palate is welcoming with soft, fleshy fruit and an easy tannic frame.
For the price, this wine is amazing.
The Wagner Vineyards Merlot 2022 is a special case. The Wagner family has been cultivating grapes in the Finger Lakes for five generations, and in 1979, Bill Wagner was the first winemaker to open a winery on the east side of Seneca Lake.
This wine comes in at just 12.4 percent ABV. It brings notes of blueberries, soil, and a hint of savory no.
The full list runs 20 bottles deep. The takeaway is simple: Merlot deserves a second look.
The best bottles are affordable, elegant, and delicious. They prove that the grape can hold its own alongside any Cabernet in the cellar.
The roundup is a reminder that the same grape can express itself in dramatically different ways depending on where it grows and how it is made. That range is the beauty of American wine: we just have multiple styles on offer at any given time.
The list is a celebration of a grape that has faced some notable setbacks. VinePair’s tasting notes are a useful guide for anyone who wants to explore the category. The list is a snapshot of what is currently available, and it reflects the diversity of American winemaking.
The 20 Best Merlots for 2026 is a useful starting point for anyone looking to branch out.
Source material: “The 20 Best Merlots for 2026,” VinePair.
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